Migration Magic at Fort De Soto

        Spring Migration 2014 was fantastic!!!  There were four significant "fallout" events, the last occurring on April 18th.  Since then, the prevailing winds have been from the south.  These winds help migrating birds reach their summer breeding grounds in the north.  To learn more about how birds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, here is a link to a very interesting 55 minute movie.  To see the movie click here ----> http://gulfcrossingmovie.com./Gulf_Crossing.html   You will be amazed.

        We spent over 30 hours at Fort De Soto during our four visits this spring and saw many species of songbirds.  Sightings included:  Vireos-White-Eyed, Blue-Headed, Red-Eyed, Yellow-Throated and Black-Whiskered (a life bird).  Tanagers-Summer and Scarlet.  Orioles-Baltimore and Orchard.  Grosbeaks-Blue and Rose-Breasted.  Buntings-Painted and Indigo.  Kingbirds-Eastern and Gray.  Other migrants we spotted were Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, Swallow-Tailed Kites, Magnificent Frigatebirds and Yellow-Bellied Sapsuckers. 

          Enjoy some of our favorite songbird photos from spring migration at Fort De Soto, and stayed tuned for "Warbler Mania at Fort De Soto", coming next.....tweet....tweet!!

Baltimore Oriole (Male)
(Taken 4/16/14)

Scarlet Tanager (Male)
(Taken 4/19/14)

Black-Whiskered Vireo
(Life Bird #230)  (Taken 4/16/14)

Blue Grosbeak (male left, female right)
(Taken 4/19/14)

Yellow-Throated Vireo
(Taken 3/18/14)

Ruby-Throated Hummingbird (Female)
(Taken 4/16/14)

Rose-Breasted Grosbeak (Male)
(Taken 4/19/14)

Summer Tanager (Male)
(Taken 4/19/14)

 

Indigo Bunting (Male)
(Taken 4/9/14)

Orchard Oriole (Male)
(Taken 4/16/14)

White-Eyed Vireo
(Taken 3/18/14)